A Neighborhood Bibiliophile

- By Nived S Bharadwaj (based on a live interview)

For many, their hobby would be collecting stamps or coins, but for Mr. Govindaraju (76), the passion and hobby is to collect and sell very rare books, some of which are as old as 100 years! Move over the Philatelists and Numismatists, here comes the veteran “Bibliophile”!

Mr.Govindaraju, who has been collecting books for the last 45years said his main inspiration was his father. “My father was a book collector. He used to buy and read a lot of books. After reading, he would also ask me to read and preserve the books. This way, I have managed a huge collection” Govindaraju said with a smile.

Govindaraju, who has a MA degree in Social Work and a Law Degree in Labour Matters, is also a retired Labour Law Consultant. The veteran claims that he has been moving all around Chennai to search and buy rare books. When asked about what he felt about his rare books collection, he mentioned that “These books are rare because they have rare information and not just because they are very old. This sort of information is not easily available nowadays”.

Govindaraju feels that nowadays the Electronic Media and e-Books are deteriorating the reading habit among people. “It is always better when two people talk to each other face to face, the same way reading books is an interactive process that provides a unique thrill”.
He adds “CD’s have come to narrate even very simple stories. Books have a personal touch. They don’t die. Reading builds character and makes man better!”.

However, Govindaraju feels sad that the present day generation doesn’t seem to have the habit of reading. ”The schools and parents want only academic results. They don’t want to give time for their children to read books, which are a big source of knowledge.” he said.
Overall, Mr. Govindaraju hopes things will take a turn for the better and the younger generation also realizes the huge value of reading books. He is there to help with his huge collection.

For those who share a passion for books, here are the contacts of Mr. Govindaraju:

Mr.Govindaraju
Rare Books
45/50, Second Main Road
R.A. Puram, Chennai - 600028
Telephone : 044 24936152
Email: renuka_govindaraju@yahoo.com